Arsenal vs Newcastle - The big match preview

A Premier League season to forget is edging towards the finish line. Five games to go, 15 points to play for and a serious turnaround required if we're to have any chance of pinching a European spot.

The latter looks highly unlikely after yet another defeat last weekend, where the players lacked leadership, fight or cohesion at both ends of the pitch in a 2-1 defeat to Bournemouth, who now sit 7th and seven points clear of us after their draw with Leeds on Wednesday.

This, however, is our game in hand on Bournemouth (49pts), Brighton (48pts) and Chelsea (48pts), handing us a chance, albeit an unlikely one, of closing the gap to just three points with a win.

The question is, can we pull it off? Will we respond? Will Howe find the answers or get a tune out of a group that has given him nothing in recent weeks? Lots of questions that need answers, as we were woefully off it both tactically, technically, physically and mentally last Saturday.

Who starts? 

In goal, Craig Hope hinted on Thursday night that Nick Pope was pushing hard to return, and I wouldn't be shocked if he comes back in, given how unconvincing Aaron Ramsdale continues to look.

At the back, I'd quite like to see Lewis Miley return, freeing up a fit-again Bruno Guimaraes, Sandro Tonali and Aaron Ramsey to play in midfield. However, with Tino Livramento out, the more likely option could be Kieran Trippier, with Dan Burn another option if Howe wants to see more leadership on the pitch.

In attack, I'm expecting Will Osula to keep his place up top after goals in back to back games, but the wide options look dire at present. Anthony Gordon is out, Harvey Barnes struggled last weekend and both Jacob Murphy and Anthony Elanga have offered nothing of late, leaving us woefully light on in-form options. 

Predicted XI: Pope - Trippier, Thiaw, Botman, Hall - Bruno, Tonali, Ramsey - Elanga, Osula, Barnes.

Who wins? 

We've scored in all 10 of our last league games, not blanking since our 0-2 home defeat to Aston Villa in January. Mix that with the pressure on Arsenal to keep pace with Man City, who they may have to outscore to win the title, and I think we'll grab a goal.

But I don't see more than one going our way, and fear a fourth straight 2-1 defeat could be how this one ends.

A rare win at the Emirates is almost certainly required to keep our faint European hopes alive, I just can't see it happening based on what we've been served up in 'reaction' to that derby defeat.

Prediction: Arsenal 2-1 Newcastle 

(Trying to) Keep the faith. Howay the lads!